The objective of The Reading Modeler is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information related to the Reading for use in modeling the railroad and its operations. In an ongoing effort to share knowledge regarding "the prototype," we will be transcribing and presenting official Reading Company information from our collection as well as material contributed by others.

This section contains official Reading Company Rulebooks, Public Timetables, Employe Timetables, and divisional General & Special Instructions books. These publications provide a wealth of useful information regarding the right-of-way including distances, location of yard limits, grades, etc. They also provide operational insight, including lists of which locomotives were prohibited from operating on certain branches, and other information that will help you plan and operate your Reading layout with a degree of prototypical accuracy.

Reading Company Employe Timetable - 1973: This is a copy of the Reading Company Employee Timetable from 1973. This file shows the consolidation of the system into one document, as opposed to prior Timetables and Instruction books that were issued by Reading, Shamokin or Philadelphia divisions. PDF file provided by Mike Thomas.

Instructions in Connection With Efficiency Tests - 1955: This booklet outlines instructions to be used by examiners conducting efficiency tests to ensure that Reading Company operating personnel were following published safety and operating rules. One of Tony Koester's "Trains of Thought" columns in Model Railroader referenced rules examinations as a way to ensure that operating session participants are adhering to your layout's rules. This document can help you maintain a "Reading" flavor to your rules exams.

Rules for the Government of the Operating Department - 1954: What does yellow over green over red mean? How do train orders work? The answer to these and many other operations-related questions can be found in the rulebook. The rulebook dictates how trains are run, outlines the responsibilities of railroad personnel, and explains the meaning of various signs and signals. If you want to operate your Reading layout in a prototypical manner, the rulebook is an essential reference.

Today's Image

Did You Know?

December 5, 1833

The Philadelphia and Reading (P&R) Railroad began operations.

Downloads

Operations Information

A variety of Reading Company operations related documents, etc. that may be of use in your modeling efforts.

Operations Paperwork

A variety of Reading Company operations paperwork, such as train orders, clearance forms, etc. that will help you operate your Reading layout in a prototypical manner.

Timetables, Rulebooks, Etc.

Public Timetables, Employe Timetables, and Rulebooks that provide much useful operational information.

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Rolling Stock Reference

Downloadable reference documents on the various classes of Reading Company Freight and Passenger rolling stock.

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